Paradox and power in Iran Reza Aslan, Aslan is the author of "No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam" and the forthcoming "How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and the End of the War on Terrror."

Vanishing points Mark Ruwedel, Mark Ruwedel's "Westward the Course of Empire" is on exhibit until Dec. 27 at Gallery Luisotti at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. Ruwedel is a professor of photography at Cal State Long Beach.